Vishal Malhotra wants an image makeover

Vishal Malhotra — known for playing Dr Ranganath on the TV show Kuch Toh Log Kahenge, John in Hip Hip Hurray, and starring in films like Ishq Vishq (2003) and Kismat Konnection (2008) — says he is fed up of playing positive characters.

Vishal Malhotra — known for playing Dr Ranganath on the TV show Kuch Toh Log Kahenge, John in Hip Hip Hurray, and starring in films like Ishq Vishq (2003) and Kismat Konnection (2008) — says he is fed up of playing positive characters.

The 32-year-old, who sports a stubble and a lean look now, says, “I’m tired of the positive image that people connect me with. I want to experiment with different kinds of roles, including those with grey shades. I want to get out of my comfort zone and don’t want people to see me doing the same roles. I want to let people know that I’m versatile. I’m urging film-makers and TV show makers to look at me in new light. I don’t want to play safe, but they do, so convincing them is a task.”

Vishal also reveals that as part of his transformation process, he also took part in acting workshops and “unlearned” a lot of things about acting. He also took up fitness seriously and lost seven kilos.

“I was never fat, but I wanted a lean body to enhance my personality,” says the actor, who is currently anchoring a food show with nutritionist Pooja Makhija. “I’m very passionate about food and I love cooking,” he adds.

Lastly, the actor, who lives in Mumbai, admits that he would love to build a house in Delhi as well. He says, “The winters and infrastructure there is superb.”